CHANCELLOR George Osborne was left facing one of the toughest tests of his career last night after his own side lined up to condemn cuts to tax credits — and it was revealed that his policies would steal money from impoverished children.

The latest challenge to Mr Osborne came from Tory backbencher Stephen McPartland, who published research proving that low wage households will see their kids’ cash slashed on top of working tax credits cuts worth £1,300 a year.

Mr McPartland followed up the announcement by boycotting a government event in his Stevenage constituency — after a top Tory minister refused to even talk about the cuts.